French Toast with Spicy Apple Syrup

Here's another unique, baked French toast recipe from the Mainstay Inn. This recipe is a longtime favorite, according to inn owner Carroll. The recipe must be prepared the night before, then baked just before serving.

1/2 cup butter -- (1 stick)
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
2 medium tart apples -- peeled, cored and sliced (2 cups)
1 loaf (1 pound) French bread -- cut into 12 to 14 (1-inch) slices
5 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 jar apple jelly -- (10 ounces)
1 cup applesauce
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 Dash salt

Heat butter, sugar and corn syrup in saucepan until mixture is syrupy. Pour into ungreased 13-by-9-inch glass baking dish. Cover with apple slices, then bread.

In bowl, whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla and pour mixture over bread. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours, or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake, uncovered, 40 minutes or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, prepare syrup. Combine apple jelly, applesauce, cinnamon, cloves and salt in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until jelly is melted and syrup is hot.

Separate French toast slices with knife and serve immediately, with warm syrup.

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
From: Nancy,.SanFran
Makes 6 to 8 servings; 1 1/2 cups apple syrup.